On February 13, 2004, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N55073) operated by American School OF Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Hollister, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a simulated single-engine approach, a student pilot lost directional control after touchdown. The instructor initiated a go-around, but the airplane veered off the runway and struck a sign with its right flap. No mechanical issues were reported.
Incident Overview
A training flight involving a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot ended with the aircraft departing the runway and striking a runway sign. The flight was conducting a simulated single-engine approach as part of the training curriculum.
Sequence of Events
After touchdown during the landing, the student pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The CFI decided to perform a go-around and added power. Immediately after adding power, the airplane veered off the runway. The right flap assembly then impacted a runway sign.
Post-Incident Findings
No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported by the flight crew or subsequent inspection. The aircraft sustained damage to the right flap assembly as a result of the collision with the sign.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Feb 2004 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Hollister, CA?
During a simulated single-engine approach, a student pilot lost directional control after touchdown. The instructor initiated a go-around, but the airplane veered off the runway and struck a sign with its right flap. No mechanical issues were reported.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Feb 2004 Piper PA-34-200 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Feb 2004 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N55073, operated by American School OF Aviation, Inc., at Hollister, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.
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